Principles

The following principles define the values and expectations that govern the GLFT’s investment in social, economic, and technological fisheries research.

The GLFT believes strongly in the importance of scientific merit, as determined by an independent peer review panel of appropriate disciplinary background, when selecting research projects for funding. Social, economic, and technology research efforts that fail to employ rigorous, valid, and reliable methodology, or to build on existing knowledge, will not be supported, regardless of the quality of fit between the proposed research and Great Lakes information needs.

Management of invasive species is a priority for public agencies at the federal, state, and local levels as well as private and nonprofit organizations throughout the Great Lakes region. The GLFT places particular value on invasive species efforts that consider, and engage thoughtfully with, the existing and emerging plans and goals of the several Great Lakes states, federal agencies involved in Great Lakes fisheries, local and regional authorities, and/or environmental collaboratives and partnerships.

Dissemination of information generated through GLFT investment in social, economic, and technology efforts is critical to these undertakings and will be proactively managed and supported by the GLFT to ensure that intended audiences are connected to relevant information.

The GLFT believes in the importance of sharing project information in forms that are accessible, understandable, and digestible by key audiences.

Effective communication of social and economic research on the fishery will require multiple methods and communication vehicles appropriate to the priority audiences for these analyses.